The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-05
THROUGH THE FAR WEST.
Some Impressions of Flying Trip to the
Pacific Cosst-Hoosiers Seen on the Way.

Correspondence of the indianapolis Jour raj
SACRAMENTO, Cal, May 25.-Traveiing west
ward. one comes upon the boom in its full
strength and vigor at Kansas City. There are
booms and booms; but for boom that is FULL
hedged, that comes upon one in much the same
manner that Minerva came upon Jupiter; In
fact. boom from the head-waters of Boom
creek, Kansas City is entitled to the decatessen
establishment The first genuine impression
one gets of the character of the boom is from
that minister plenipotentiary of the caravan
sery the modest and retiring hotel clerk, when
he blandly informs you that cot in the hall Is
the best he can give you, and for this and
the backwoods provender which the chef dc
cuisine provides. he still more blandly charges
you So day. This reception is expected to, and
in measure does. prepare you for a full ap-
probation of the boom: the impression thus
made is not permitted to be effaced. But aside
from many features that give an unfavorase
impression to the itinerant-not the least OF
which is the utterly inadequate and strikingly
poor hotel accommodations-Kansas City is
restless, massive and constantly bewildering
wonder. In the extent of it's excavations. 1t
rivals Pompeii; in the depth and clingyness
of its mud. it reminds of the
Omaha of five years ago. in the impos-
it brings to memory the city of concensric circles
as it was in the early seventies Its best feature
is to be found in its newspapers. The Times
and the journal are able. bright and welcon-
Quoted newspapers. They know no North. no
South, no East, no West-nothing but Kansas
City. They have at all times, in season aud out
of season. sounded Kansas City's praisee with a
zeal of which Kansas City may we'll endeavor to
be worthy. They have not only sounded the
trumpet; they have pounded the base-drum
beat the hewgag piped the kazoo, and shaken
the sheet-iron thunder behind the scenes. Let
us hope they will receive their reward, if not
here at least in that heaven where editors for
ever peacefully browse, in the shape of white
mules, upon fodder that grows from she seed OF
the waste basket
Omaha also has a boom; not aggressive, not
so persistent not conspicuous; but il has
come to stay. Miles of Asphaltum streets cover
the bottomless mud of few years ago. and the
festive 'cyclist is omnipresent here, as in Wash
ington. Omaha exhibits substantial improve
mont in every direction. Real estate is at pres
ent the staple article of trade and barter; much
clap-trap and many devices of the fakir enter
into this branch of industry, and give to it the
appearance of bubble, which is being vigor-
ously blown at present, but which will burst
and dissipate into airy nothingness ere long
Bands of music call attention to auction sales of
lots: page ads. invite you to free spread, incl
dental to the public sale Of Browns subdivision.
All the tricks of the Snowman
called into action, but back of all
this, Omaha has enterprise, spirit and large
volume Of legitimate and healthy trade. AS in
Kansas City, here, spirited and admirably
conducted newspapers reflect the character OF
the place. Tho Bee. the Herald and the Eepub-
lican long established and profitable news
paper properties. The World bright and Wig
evening paper, has recently sprung into
popularity, and is pushing ahead at rafting
pace. Will Rocker ie of its guiding spirits.
Omaba's papers have captured many bright and
brainy workers. and most of these are of the
companonable class. Sorenson, of the Bee;
Gregory, of the Republican. and the entire staff
of the Herald and World form as clever a body
OF pencil-pushers at one cares to meet
In many Nebraska towns the counterfeit pre-
sentiment of the classic features of Prof John
Clark Ridpath was conspicuous and pleasantly
as it told of the widespread popularity OF his
that historian, like prophet. is not without
honor in his own country. l think it
quite likely that Indiana has not yet sufficiently
recognized the ability the learning. the genius
which Dr.. Ridpath possesses We who have
known him as teacher, mentor. guide and COM
panion confidently expect TO see his name lifted
to the side of that of Bancroft.
In Denver was pleased to meet DR.. Wylle,
formerly professor in the chair of Greek lam
guage in Asbury University. when it was AS
bury Thousands of Journal readers know, by
personal experience of the kindly spirit, the de-
voted interest and the impartial sympathy of
this grand old man. he truly the students
fricnd-in many instances their confidant and
confessor Age and infirmity have their
seal upon him; but his face beams with kindli-
of yore. aud the same winning smile that
we knew well in the classroom on his
lips as, in speaking of his feebleness. he said:
"It's about time for to the divide"
From Denver we journeyed to Cheyenne
The Magic City of the Plains" of to-day. and
the "hell on wheels" of other days. Tho dance
houses, the wide-open gambling saloons, the
res-and easy dives that once gave to Cheyenne
its distinctive appellaton of hell on wheels"
have disappeared. The airy, breezy cowboy
longer rides mis- pony into the bar-room; the
festive rustler is not now allowed to lassoo the
plug hat of the traveller from the effete East
and the touching appeal please don't shoot the
pano-player; he is doing the best he knows
how" is longer in in the
variety Cheyenne is said DOS
sess moro wealth in proportion to its
population than any other city in the country
No lavish display in architecture in adorn-
ment of houses and grounds is seen IN proof Of
this assertion, however, and to the casual visitor
the town has dead and alive appearance
From Cheyenne to San Francisco is journey
that tires ones physical powers. but makes
rel dice that he is past the days when the trip
had to be made with quadruped and caravan
California is In bloom; it delights the eye and
enohains the senses. W. o. WHEELER
Runaway Train.